A bicycle accident can happen in seconds. One careless driver, one missed stop, and everything changes. You need to know what comes next. What to do after a bicycle accident in Fort Lauderdale depends on where it happened, who was involved, and how badly you were hurt.
If you suffered injuries in a bike crash, a Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your ability to seek compensation.
Get Out of Harm’s Way and Call 911
If you can move, get off the road and out of traffic. Safety comes first. Then call 911 and report the accident. Let paramedics check you, even if you don’t feel hurt.
Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, don’t show symptoms right away. Getting medical help creates a record that ties your injuries to the crash. Stay calm, answer the dispatcher’s questions, and wait for law enforcement to arrive. You’ll need that police report later.
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Collect Information at the Scene
If you’re able, collect the driver’s name, insurance info, and license plate number. Take pictures of your bike, the vehicle, the crash site, and any visible injuries.
If witnesses saw the crash, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their statements could help support your version of events. Try to write down what happened while it’s fresh. Memories fade fast, especially in stressful moments.
Get Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
Even if you didn’t leave the scene in an ambulance, see a doctor right away. A full medical evaluation can catch injuries you didn’t feel at the time.
Treatment records show the seriousness of your condition and help connect the crash to your physical symptoms. This documentation will matter later. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer will rely on those records to help build a strong injury claim.
Insurance Coverage for Bicycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
If a driver hits you while you’re riding a bike, your own insurance may still help cover the costs. Florida drivers carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which may extend to you even as a bicyclist. This can also apply when you live with a relative who holds a PIP policy. PIP can help pay for some medical bills and lost income after a crash.
If the driver who hit you is uninsured or leaves the scene, you could also file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim. Not every policy includes UM coverage, but if yours does, it may help cover damages not paid by PIP.
A Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer can review your coverage, file your claim, and push back if your insurer delays or denies what you’re owed.
Avoid Talking to the Insurance Company Alone
The other driver’s insurance company may call you quickly. Their goal is simple—limit what they owe. Don’t give a recorded statement or accept a quick offer.
Let a Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident attorney handle the conversation. Your lawyer can deal with the adjusters, protect your rights, and push for the full value of your claim.
You don’t owe the insurer anything. They’re not on your side. A lawyer makes sure your story doesn’t get twisted against you.
Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Attorneys: How We Help
You focus on getting better. Your lawyer handles everything else:
- Investigate the crash scene
- Reviews your medical records
- Talks with witnesses and experts
- Calculates your total damages
- Deals with the insurance company
- Files a lawsuit, if necessary
A Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident attorney knows how to build a case that shows exactly how the crash affected your life. That includes your physical recovery, lost income, and long-term impact.
Florida Bicycle Laws That May Affect Your Case
Under Florida law, cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists. Drivers must give at least three feet of clearance when passing. Cyclists must use lights at night and ride in the same direction as traffic.
If you obeyed the law and a driver still hit you, they may be held fully responsible for your injuries. Failing to yield, making illegal turns, or opening a car door into your path can all lead to liability.
Even if you shared partial fault, Florida’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages if you’re found 50% or less at fault. Your compensation may be reduced, but not erased.
Common Injuries After Bicycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Bicyclists don’t have airbags, seat belts, or steel frames to protect them. That’s why these crashes often cause serious injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash and deep cuts
- Dental injuries and facial trauma
Some victims face surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery. Others may never return to work or daily life as they knew it. A strong injury claim helps you get the support you need to move forward.
What to Expect From the Legal Process in Fort Lauderdale
Most bicycle accident cases start with an insurance claim. Your lawyer will gather medical records, investigate the crash, and submit a demand to the insurer.
If the insurer offers too little—or refuses to settle—we can file a lawsuit. In court, we present the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
A fair result can include payment for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and long-term care.
Wrongful Death After a Bicycle Accident in Fort Lauderdale
When a bicycle crash ends in tragedy, family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of case allows you to seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of future income
- Medical expenses before death
- Pain and mental anguish
We handle these cases with care and respect. Your family deserves answers, closure, and the financial support to face what comes next.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Florida?
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to both bicycle accident claims and wrongful death cases.
That time passes faster than most people expect, especially while dealing with medical appointments, bills, and recovery. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to recover any damages.
Start your case early. Your lawyer can secure time-sensitive evidence, protect your rights, and begin the claim while you focus on healing.
Talk to a Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
A careless driver changed your life, and now you’re left trying to figure out what comes next. You shouldn’t have to fight for recovery while also trying to manage insurance calls, paperwork, or legal questions.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, our Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyers bring over three decades of experience and have helped more than 30,000 Florida injury victims take back control after devastating injuries. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Call today for your free consultation. We’ll explain your options, answer your questions, and help you move forward with clarity and strength.
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